Ignition system.



P. R. WERNER. IGNITION SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 25, 1911.

1,123,448. Patented Jan. 5, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

flc r BY kf/QdWv/ INVENTOR Vim-La P. R. WERNER. IGNITION SYSTEM.

APPLIGATION FILED AUG. 25, 1911,

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

50. if F .41 -9 3/ WITNESSES Patented J an. 5, 1915.

PAUL R. WERNER, 0F PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

IGNITION SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 5, 1915.

Application filed August 25, 1911. Serial No-646,000.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, PAUL R. WERNER, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Ignition System, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to an ignition system which is adapted to be used with one transformer and wherein the secondary or high potential current is directed to the proper cylinders in consecutive order by use of a rotating switch or selector, the primary current being produced by the proper action of the contact points.

' In a prior patent granted to me on November 17th, 1909, No. 940,376, I have shown and broadly claimed an ignition system which operates in the manner above referred to and in my present invention I have devised a novel construction of ignition system wherein the primary circuit is made and broken in such a manner that the contact will always be performed at the same time regardless of the engine speed.

My invention further consists of a novel construction of a contact mechanism.

It further consists of a novel construction of short circuiting mechanism whereby any or all of the cylinders may be readily short circuited when desired.

It further consists of a novel and simplitied constrfiction of contact mechanism wherein the number of parts employed are reduced to a minimum and wherein the device may be readily removed or taken apart without the necessity of employing any tools.

It further consists of novel means for ad vancing or retarding the spark.

It further consists of other novel features of construction, all as will be hereinafter fully set forth.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention, I have shown in the accompanying drawings one form thereof which is at present preferred by me, since the same has been found in practice to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of these instrumentalities as herein shown and described;

Figure 1 represents a sectional elevation,

on a reduced scale, of an ignition system embodying my invention, the wiring being omitted. Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of the upperportion of the same having the cover removed and showing more clearly certain parts of the contact mechanism. Fig. 3 represents a sectional plan view of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 represents a top plan view of a portion of'the device having the cover removed. Fig. 5 represents a side elevation of a portion of the short circuit- Ing mechanism. Fig. 6 represents a sectional plan View showing a portion of the contact mechanism the parts being shown in different relation from that seen in Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 represents a perspective view of another portion of the short circuiting mechanism. Fig. 8 represents a perspective view of a portion of the contact mechanism. Fig. 9 represents a sectional plan view similar to Fig. 6 but showing the parts in different relation from that seen in said figure. Fig. 10 represents a side elevation of a portionof the contact mechanism.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the figures.

Referring to the drawings :1 designates a casing provided with a suitable support 2 and a cover 3 which latter is secured thereto in any desired manner.

4 designates a casing member in which is journaled a housing 5, said housing having journaled therein a shaft 6 which is operatively connected withtheengine shaft and provided with a gear 7 meshing with a gear 8 rotatably mounted in the housing 5.

9 designates a gear meshing with the gear 8 and mounted on a shaft 10 journaled in the housing 5 and also in a bracket 11 suitably carried by the casing.

12 designates an arm secured to the housing 5 and adapted to be connected with any suitable mechanism for controlling the revolution of the housing.

The shaft 10 has mounted thereon the selector 13 adapted to engage with the con tacts 14' for the different cylinders, it being evident that any desired number of cylinders may be emploved.

In order to provide means for short circuiting any or all of the cylinders I provide spring members 15 which are suitably aper-' tured as at 16 thereby adapting them tobe carried by the insulation of the contacts 14. Each member 15 is provided with one or more resilient arms 17 which are deflected otherwise adapted to receive thepcontactto coact with a recess 43 in a to form a recess or seat 18 for the journals 19 of the members 20 which latter are defiected so that they are normally held out of engagement with the contacts 14. I

21 designates an extension adapted to engage the casing 1 at certain times.

22 designates pins seated in recesses 23 and having enlarged heads 24 adapted to engage the short circuiting members 20 to actuate the same, the construction of the parts being such that they are normally maintained in'the position indicated at the left hand side .of Fig. 1.

25 designates a primary terminal which has a connection 26 leading to the post 27.

28 designates the secondary terminal which is an electrical coimection with the selector 13.

The top .3 is provided with a boss 29 forming a journal for the shaft 10 which latter extends therethrough and at its outer end is recessed as indicated at 30 thereby forming shoulders 31. The number of such shoulders preferably corresponds to the number of cylinders employed. 32 designates aplate connected with the post 27 andalso'with the post 33 which latter is split or member 34 which is adjustable therein and forms the stationary contact.

35 designates a pivot pin or its equivalent suitably carried by the top 3 and provided with an enlarged heagl 36.

37 designates a movable member which preferably consists of a strip of materialwhich is deflected as indicated at 38 to form a semicircular recess thereby adapting the same to be fulcrumed on the pivot 35. The rear end of the strip 37 is laterally and forwardly deflected as indicated at 39 and the forwardly extending portion is provided with an aperture 40 through which passes a pin 41 the inner end of which is upset or headed to prevent its disengagement from the aperture 40. The opposite end of the pin is provided with a head 42 the outer face of which is rounded or otherwise adapted pin 44 carried by the top 3.

45 designates a spring intermediate the head 43 and a washer 46 loosely mounted on the pin 41 whereby the movable member 37 is held in'proper relation with respect to its fulcrum 35.

47 designates a resilient member one end of which is fixed to the strip 37 while the opposite end thereof has its movement limited by a hook 48 carried by the strip 37 it being noted that the resilient member 47 carries the movable contact 49.

' 50 designates a strip of material forming a movable-member and deflector to provide a recess '51, the rear endof such member being outwardly and forwardly deflected as indicated at 52 and provided with anaperture 53 through which passes a pin 54 suitably headed to prevent its disengagement from such aperture. The opposite end of the pin 54 is. provided with a head 55 the outer face of which is rounded to engage a seat in the pin 56 carried by the top 3, in a manner similar to that already described with reference to the part 37.

57 designates a spring interposed between the head 05 and a washer 58 loosely mounted on the pin 56 whereby the deflected portion 59 is normally maintained against the stop pin 60. The forward end of the member 50 is bent inwardly and then forwardly so that the forward end of the member 37 is normally seated on the extension or striker 61 of the member 50, said striker riding on the shaft 6 and adapted to be operated thereby as will be clearly understood from the description of the operation. The stop pin 60 is preferably provided with an enlarged head 62 which together with the head 36 prevents the members 37 and 50 from imin any desired manner but preferably as herein shown which is similar to the manner described and broadly claimed in'my prior patent 940,376, November 16th, 1909.

The operation of my novel ignition-system will now be readily apparent to those skilled in this art and is as follows :--In my present invention the contact mechanism is mechanically operative on the movement of the actuating means in opposite directions and is electrically operative on the movement of the actuating means in but one direction, it being seen that the shaft 10 can be'operated in either direction, and the contact mechanism is constructed in such a way that a contact will be made only when the shaft is operated in one direction.

The shaft 6 is operatively connected with the engine shaft and driven thereby, thus rotating the shaft 10. Assuming that the parts are in their normal position as seen in Fig. 3, as the shaft 10 revolves the member 50 will be moved away from the stop 60 from the position seen in Fig. 3 to the position seen in Fig. 6 which will permit the member '37 to move rearwardlv and abut against the stop 60 as seen in Fig. 3. As

similar manner to that described in my prior patent No. 940,37 6 and I have therefore deemed it unnecessary to describe the same since it is now well known by those skilled in the art.

I will next describe the mechanism employed for advancing or retarding the spark. The arm 12 is connected with any suitable operating mechanism for revolving the housing 5. The result will be that the idler S will be revolved thereby reducing or in-.

creasing the speed of rotation of the shaft 10. It will thus be seen that the rotation of the shaft 10 may be stopped or reversed without stopping the rotation of the shaft 6 or the engine connected therewith. When it is desired to short circuit a cylinder the corresponding pin 22 is depressed thereby causing the member 20 to contact with the casing 1 and with the corresponding contact 14 as will be clearly understood by reference to the right hand side of Fig. 1.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an ignition system, a casing, contact mechanism carried thereby, terminals carried by the casing and adapted tobe connected with the different cylinders, a driven shaft mounted in the casing for actuating the contact mechanism, said contact mechanism being mechanically operative on the movement of said shaft in opposite, directions and electrically operative on the movement of said shaft in but one direction, a selector carried by the driven shaft, primary and secondary lead terminals carried by the casing, a driving shaft, power transmission.

devices intermediate the driving and driven shafts, a housing in which the said shafts are mounted, and an arm carried by said housing and adapted to be actuated to vary the relative speed of rotation of the driving and driven shafts.

2. In a contact mechanism, a support, a movable member pivoted thereon, a tension device securedto said member whereby the tension device and member may be bodily removed, said tension device serving to maintain said member in position; a second movable member pivoted on the support, a tension device for the second movable member and secured thereto whereby the second tension device and second movable member may be bodily removed, said tension device serving to maintain said second movable member in position; a contact resiliently carried by the first movable member, and means for actuating the second movable member to cause the contact to make and break the circuit, said contact mechanism being mechanically operative on the movement of said actuating means in opposite directions, and electrically operative on the l movement of said actuating means 1n but one direction.

3. In a contact mechanism, a support, a stationary contact, a pin carried by the support, a stationary stop carried by the support, a movable member fulcrumed on said pin, a tension device for said movable member, a contact carrying spring having one end secured to said member, a second movable member fulcrumed on said pin and normally engaging said stop and against which the free end of the first movable member abuts. a tension device for the second movable member, and means for moving said second movable member to cause it to strike against said first movable member.

4. In a contact mechanism, a support, a stationary contact,.a pin carried by the support, a stationary stop carried by the support, a movable member fulcrumed on said pin, a tension device for said movable member, a contact carrying spring having one end secured to said member, a second movable member fulcrumed on said pin and normally engaging said stop and against which the free end of the first movable member abuts, atension device for the second movable member, means for moving said second movable member to cause it to strike against said first movable member, and said pin and stop having means for preventing the upward movement of said first and second movable members.

5. In a contact mechanism, a support, a pivot pin thereon, a stop on the support, a plurality of abutments on the support, a stationary contact carried by the support, a movable member pivoted on said pivot 'pin on one side of said stop, a tension device intermediate one of said abutments and said movable member, a second movable member engaging said pivot pin on the opposite side of said stop, a tension device intermediate the other of said abutments and said second movable member, a spring having one end fixed to said movable member, a contact carried by said spring, and means for moving said second movable member against its tension device and permitting a quick release thereof. v

6. In a contact mechanism, a support, a stationary contact thereon, a pivot pin, a stationary stop pin, a movable member having a portion thereof deflected to partially engage the pivot pin and then deflect laterally and forwardly, an abutment on one side of said pivot pin, a tension device intermediate said abutment and said forward extension and secured to the latter, a yieldingly mounted contact carried by said first movable member, a second movable member against which the first movable member normally abuts, said second movable member normally engaging said stop pin and having a deflected portion partially engaging said pivot pin-and then extending laterally and forwardly, a secondabutment on said support, a tension device intermediate said abutment and the forward extension of said second member and secured to the latter, and means for moving said second movable member to cause the latter to strike against the second movable member, thereby caus--.

ing the movable contact'to make and break the circuit.

7. In a contact mechanism, a support, a pivot pin and a stationary stop on the support, a stationary contact on the support, a movable member partially surrounding said pivot pin, a tension device carried by said movable member, an abutment on said support for said tension device, a second movable member partially surrounding said pivot pin and engaging said stop P111 and normally forming a stop for said first movable member, a tension device secured to the second movable member, an abutment on the support for the second tension device, and

' rotatable means for causing said second movable member to strike said first movable member.

8. In a contact mechanism, a stationary contact, a movable contact, a movable stop for the movable contact, a stationary stop for the movable contact and for the movable stop, and means co-acting with the movable stop to cause the movable contact to engage with the stationary contact, said contact mechanism being mechanically operative on the movement of said means in opposite directions and electrically operative on the movement of said means in but one direction.

9. In a contact mechanism, a support, a pin carried therebv, a contact member haw ing a portion thereof deflected to partially engage with said pin, a tension device for said member, a stationary contact, a combined stop and actuating member for the movable contact having a portion thereof deflected to partially engage said pin, a tension device for the movable stop and actuating member, a stationary stop carried bv. said sup ort and normally engaged by the movable stop and actuating member and serving as a stop for the movable contact member when the movable stop and actuating member is moved rearwardly, and means for causing the rearward and forward movement of said combined stop and actuating member, said combined stop and actuating member co-acti-ng with the movable contact carrying member on its forward movement to cause the latter to make and break the c1rcult.

10. In an ignition system, a casing, terminals carried thereby and adapted to be connected with different cylinders, insulation for said terminals, a short circuiting member carried by said insulation and having resilient arms, a second short circuiting second short circuiting member mounted in said seat and normally maintained in inoperative position" by said arms, and a plunger carried by said casing 'andadapted to coact with said second short circuiting member to cause the latter to engage the cylinder and the terminal.

12. In an ignition system, a casing, a top therefor provided with a recess, a pin extending through said top and having an en- .larged head mounted in said recess, a terminal carried by the casing and insulated therefrom, a resilient short circuiting member fixed relatively to the casing and provided with resilient arms deflected to form seats, and a second short circuiting member provided with journals engaging said seats and having one end deflected to permit thelatter to engage the cylinder terminal when said plunger is depressed, said second short circuiting member being always in engagement with said plunger.

13. In an ignition system, a casing, a contact mechanism within the casing, a driven shaft for actuating said mechanism, said contact mechanism being mechanically operative on the movement of said driven shaft 'in opposite directions and electrically operative on the movement of said shaft in only one direction, aidriving. shaft, power transmission mechanism cooperating with the driving and the driven shaft, a housing within said casing in which said power transmission mechanism and said shafts are mounted, and means for rotating said housing in either direction.

14. In an ignition device, a contact mecha nism, actuating means therefor, said contact mechanism being mechanically operative on the movement of said actuating means in opposite directions and electrically operative on the movement of said actuating means in only one direction, a primary current controlled by said contact mechanism, a distributer for a secondary current, and means for advancing and retarding the production of a contact without bodily movement of the entire contact mechanism.

15. In an ignitiondevice, a contact mechanism, actuating means therefor, said contact mechanism being mechanically operative on the movement of said actuating means in opposite directions and electrically operative on the movement of said actuating means in only one direction, a primary current controlled by said contact mechanism, a secondary current distributer, and means for giving the driven shaft an axial displacement with the driving shaft to vary the time of the spark.

'16. In an ignition device, a contact mechanism adapted to produce a spark of fixed duration irrespective of the engine speed 17. In an ignition device, a contact mechanism adapted to produce a spark of fixed duration irrespective of the engine speed and incapable of stopping on short circuit, actuating means therefor, said contact mechanism being mechanically operative on the movement of said actuating means in opposite directions and electrically operative on the movement of said actuating means in only one direction, a primary current controlled by said contact mechanism, a secondary. current distributer, and means in cluding intermeshing gears for giving the driven shaft an axial displacement with the driving shaft to vary the time of the spark.

PAUL WERNER.

Witnesses:

H. S. FAIRBANKS, C. D. MCVAY. 

